The Denver Broncos are making a late-season move to shore up their offensive line depth, signing veteran center Sam Mustipher off the Chargers’ practice squad. In a corresponding roster move, the team waived offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
This move comes on the heels of center Luke Wattenberg being placed on injured reserve earlier this week, leaving Denver thin in the middle of the line. Mustipher’s addition gives the Broncos a reliable interior presence with starting experience - a valuable insurance policy as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Mustipher, 29, has had a winding journey through the NFL. After going undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2019, he initially signed with the Chicago Bears.
Though he didn’t make the 53-man roster out of camp, the Bears kept him on the practice squad and later signed him to a futures deal. By October of the 2020 season, Mustipher earned his shot on the active roster - and made it count, sticking around and carving out a role.
The Bears re-signed him as an exclusive rights free agent for 2022, but opted not to tender him the following year. That opened the door for Mustipher to explore new opportunities, leading to a stint with the Ravens and, eventually, a brief offseason stop with the Titans.
Denver actually brought Mustipher in earlier this year, signing him in April. But he didn’t make the final roster, and after being released, he landed on the Chargers’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster during the season, appearing in 12 games and making one start at center.
Now, he returns to Denver with a chance to contribute down the stretch. While he may not be a headline-grabbing acquisition, Mustipher brings something every team needs in December: experience, versatility, and the ability to step in without missing a beat. For a Broncos team dealing with injuries on the interior line, that kind of depth could prove critical.